REAL couponing - not extreme couponing - in Wisconsin's Northwoods. We hunt down the coupon and sales deals to save 30% to 70% or more using the tips and advice posted here - no orange jacket or hunting license required!

"I wanna know why there are never coupons for the things that I buy? Like for instance milk, where can I get a coupon for that, or bread, or fresh fruit and fresh vegetables? I look at these coupons and I suppose you save money, but do you actually use these items? How can I get coupons for the items that I actually purchase and use? I am not one to buy something just because it is on sale or there is a coupon, do you see what I mean?"

This is a common misconception for folks who haven't been taught how to utilize coupons properly. What they really mean is, "How come I don't ever see any coupons this week for what I want to buy NOW?" They cannot really mean they don't see anything that they would buy. Think about it - in this economy, the millions of people using coupons aren't out there buying stuff we don't need and then recommending you do the same!

For example, the list of inserts I posted included coupons for the following items:

I challenge anyone to not find at least 7 items on that list that they actually use at their house!

As I explained to her, the coupons that come out this week may not be worth redeeming (or "playing" if you know about The Grocery Game) until there is a good sale to combine them with. Then you buy as many as you can at that rock-bottom price, so you don't have to buy it later for a higher cost. If you are "not one to buy something just because it is on sale or there is a coupon," then you will always be overpaying for these items! (I don't mean to buy something you would never use just because it's on sale or has a great coupon - but DO buy it if you would normally pay full price for it when you need it and it's a great deal - even if you don't "need" it right now!)

You see, if you only shop for what you need NOW, you will never get the best price on items! So, file away the whole insert (with the date written on the front) in an expandable pocket file organizer (get one for under $10 at Walmart) and wait until the store's weekly sales flyer comes out. Northwoods Coupon Hunters is only of of many online sites which will then post "match-ups" (which coupons match that week's sales) by posting the name of the flyer and the date it was printed (example: SS 9/25/11 would mean Smart Source insert from 9/25/11). So, all you have to do is add the item to your shopping list, pull out your file, clip the coupon and head to the store to stock up!

Still don't think it's worth the effort, even when all you have to do is write a date and stick it in a file?

OK, I did an little experiment so show the value of stocking up at the lowest price. Say you want to make spaghetti with turkey meatballs and a salad for a meal this week:

In the first column, if you went out today and none of the items were on sale, you would spend $17 on this dinner. If you pay attention to the sale items (the week this article was written), the second column shows you would pay $13.87 (and you better have your store Member Card, too, to get those sale prices.) In the third column, $11.08 is what I would have spent on the items using coupons. Granted, that is only a savings of $2.79 compared to what you spent on sale items, but it would save me $5.92 if the items were NOT on sale this week and if I save just that same small amount on every dinner, that would save me $1,018 per year or $2,106 off retail. That isn't even counting my savings on breakfasts, lunches, snacks, health & beauty, pet and cleaning supplies!

You may notice that last row that says "Total spent today" is only $5.22 in my column. You see, the items that are in grey in my column, I bought on sale weeks or months ago at the lower price. The fresh onions and green peppers bought on sale are diced and frozen in my freezer for future meals. So, I would be spending $8.65 - $11.75 less today to make the exact same meal you bought. That money can be used for milk, bread and fresh produce - or even a special treat I normally cannot afford. Notice that what I actually bought for this meal today was just the fresh produce? By buying the non-perishable or freezer-friendly items previously at the lowest price and stocking up, I don't need coupons for the milk, eggs, bread and fresh produce, because that is all I need to buy. And I can even plan meals around the produce that is on sale to save even more!

Speaking of eggs and milk, stores often offer special deals that if you buy a certain number of breakfast products they will give you a Catalina coupon (which prints out with your register receipt) for free milk and/or eggs. So don't throw those away! Last week at Copp's , if you bought 8 Quaker Brand items (which included oatmeal, oat bars, pancake mix, pancake syrup and orange juice) you got an instant $5 off at the register AND free milk and eggs. With winter coming, I did the deal 2 times. I got 8 boxes of Quaker oatmeal packets, which ended up being $1.75 a box (reg. $3.09) and cheaper than the Roundy's boxes of oatmeal for $2.49. I also got a bunch of pancake mix for a great deal after the $5 instant off - so I got 2 milk and 2 egg Catalina coupons and didn't have to pay anything for milk and eggs. So, pay attention to those "bundle" deals that can get you free stuff and a lower cost on items you'd eventually buy anyhow.

So, the key to couponing is not to get your Sunday inserts and run out that week to try to redeem them all or to expect them to have the coupons you want for that week. Save them until you can use them and then buy enough to last you until the next sale/coupon deal. And if you need something and don't have a coupon, whether or not it is on sale, just go ahead and buy what you need for now. Just wait to stock up on them when the next great deals come around.

The coupons are out there for the items that you normally buy. You just need to be patient and watch for them and then know how and when to use them!

Disclosure of Material Connection: Links in the post above may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and print a coupon, I will receive a small affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials.” Thank you for your support!

Disclosure of Material Connection: Links in the post above may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and print a coupon, I will receive a small affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials.” Thank you for your support!

The "real" couponing forums have been all abuzz over the TLC show "Extreme Couponing," insisting that scenes must be staged and store coupon policies have to be waived for the show. The concern is that the portrayal of using coupons this way gives viewers unrealistic expectations for their couponing adventures and encourages bad behavior. Not to mention that the show makes anyone in the store with a coupon binder look like they must be a kook.

So, it was interesting to come across this news report about upcoming episodes filmed in a store in North Carolina. The store regrets the decision to participate and admits that they waived their normal coupon policy and that a publicized scene from the show about a couponing "shelf clearer" was staged by the crew.

Watch clip:

This season was Lowes Foods' first time participating in the show, and it wasn't pleased with the experience.

"If we had it to do over again, we would not have done it," said Lisa Selip, a corporate spokeswoman for Lowes Foods who said the show was full of misrepresentations and sensationalism. "Hindsight is 20/20."

A case in point, she said, is contained in a promotional clip recently released online. It shows a man arriving in the grocery aisle seconds too late to purchase an energy bar after an extreme coupon shopper put every last bar into her cart.

"The guy who walked up to the shelf was one of the crew members," Selip said. "It was all staged."

She said Lowes, which considers itself a coupon-friendly retailer, initially thought the show would be a great way to showcase its stores nationally. "Call it maybe being slightly naïve," she said.

Selip says the chain deeply regrets its decision to participate in the show. "My hope is our customers know we're a company of integrity and they'll understand we made a mistake."

That anger could come from coupon clippers who'll see people on he show using more than 20 coupons a day. Selip acknowledged that the company waived part of its policy for the benefit of TV cameras.

TLC spokeswoman Niki Kazakos said in a written statement that the network expects the coupon shoppers "to understand and follow their stores' coupon policies."

Disclosure of Material Connection: Links in the post above may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and print a coupon, I will receive a small affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials.” Thank you for your support!

Disclosure of Material Connection: Links in the post above may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and print a coupon, I will receive a small affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials.” Thank you for your support!

Disclosure of Material Connection: Links in the post above may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and print a coupon, I will receive a small affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials.” Thank you for your support!

Saturday, September 24, 2011

"One coupon per transaction."
"One coupon per item per transaction."
"One coupon per family."
"One coupon per item."
"One coupon per like item."
"One coupon per person/customer."
"One coupon per purchase."
"One coupon per like item per shopping trip."

These rules, between the store policies and the manufacturer coupon limits can be really confusing, so it's important to know your store's coupon policies. Some stores allow unlimited coupons, but limit the number and days they can be doubled. If you are unsure what the store policy means, ask the store manager or call the store customer service and ask. What the rule means can be different as a store policy vs. printed on a manufacturer coupon.

Usually, stores will allow a store coupon to be stacked with a manufacturer's coupon.
Example:
Store flyer has a coupon for Nature Valley granola bars for $2 each (reg. $2.49).
Sunday newspaper insert has a Nature Valley coupon for 75¢ off each.
You can use both coupons and get the granola bars for $1.25. And if you use the coupon on a double coupon day, the manufacturer coupon will double in value to $1.50 off, making the final price only 50¢ when combined with the store coupon!

Sometimes, even the store employees don't understand the difference between "per transaction," "per person" or "per item," so it's important that you can explain it to them clearly. Below are explanations of the most common coupon limits:

"One coupon per transaction."

Store policy: Only one coupon can be used during a transaction. (Extremely rare. If the number is limited it's more likely it will be a much higher number than just one.)

Store coupon: Only one coupon can be used on one item, even if you buy more than one of that item.

Manufacturer coupon: Only one coupon can be used on one item, even if you buy more than one of that item.

"One coupon per item per transaction."

Store policy: No "stacking" coupons. You can use a store coupon or a manufacturer's coupon but not both.

Store coupon: One store coupon may be used per each item purchased. May be used along with a manufacturer's coupon.

Manufacturer's coupon: One manufacturer's coupon may be used per each item purchased. May be used along with a store coupon.

"One coupon per family."

Store policy: N/A

Store coupon: This could mean a couple of things. One per transaction, one per visit or one per store card account.

Manufacturer's coupon: N/A

"One coupon per item."

Store policy: No stacking coupons. You can use a store coupon or a manufacturer's coupon but not both.

Store coupon: One store coupon may be used per each item purchased. May be used along with a manufacturer's coupon.

Manufacturer's coupon: One manufacturer's coupon may be used per each item purchased. May be used along with a store coupon.

"One coupon per like item."

Store policy: If you buy more than one of identical items, only one coupon is allowed on one of that item. (Rare. If the number is limited it's more likely it will be a higher number than just one.)

Store coupon: If you buy more than one of identical items, only one coupon is allowed on one of that item. (Rare. If the number is limited it's more likely it will be a higher number than just one.)

Manufacturer's coupon: If you buy more than one of identical items, only one coupon is allowed on one of that item. (Rare. If the number is limited it's more likely it will be a higher number than just one.)

"One coupon per person/customer."

Store policy: Only one coupon can be used during a transaction. (Extremely rare. If the number is limited it's more likely it will be a much higher number than just one.)

Store coupon: Only one coupon can be used on one item, even if you buy more than one of that item.

Manufacturer coupon: Only one coupon can be used on one item, even if you buy more than one of that item.

"One coupon per purchase."

Store policy: No "stacking" coupons. You can use a store coupon or a manufacturer's coupon but not both.

Store coupon: One store coupon may be used per each item purchased. May be used along with a manufacturer's coupon.

Manufacturer's coupon: One manufacturer's coupon may be used per each item purchased. May be used along with a store coupon.

Store policy: If you buy more than one of identical items, only one coupon is allowed on one of that item per store visit. Must leave store and come back to use another coupon for that item. (Rare. If the number is limited it's more likely it will be a higher number than just one.)

Store coupon: If you buy more than one of identical items, only one coupon is allowed on one of that item per store visit. Must leave store and come back to use another coupon for that item. (Rare. If the number is limited it's more likely it will be a higher number than just one.)

Manufacturer's coupon: If you buy more than one of identical items, only one coupon is allowed on one of that item per store visit. Must leave store and come back to use another coupon for that item. (Rare. If the number is limited it's more likely it will be a higher number than just one.)

Disclosure of Material Connection: Links in the post above may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and print a coupon, I will receive a small affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials.” Thank you for your support!

This is one of the most frequently used excuses by non-couponers that I hear. One reason they believe this is that they don't know how to properly use coupons to save money.

Many people think you just clip the coupons on Sunday and use them that week. However, if you look at most coupon inserts for one week, they don't seem to contain many items that you need that week. The key is to save the coupons and use them when the go on sale. Two or three weeks from now, you may find that several items are on sale for which you have coupons. You may not need those tampon, bath soap, toilet paper, deodorant or coffee coupons this week, but use them next time they are on sale and save $10, $20 or more on your shopping trip, which leaves you extra money to buy those higher-priced organic vegetable, fruits, meats and dairy you want.

Additionally, even though many coupons may not specify, quite a few national brands offer organic or healthier low-fat or sugar-free versions of their products on which the coupon may be used. Believe it or not, even Kraft Mac & Cheese has organic and whole grain options now!

Just the other day, my grocery store had a sale on Quaker products - items like oatmeal, pancake mix, granola and orange juice. When I bought 8 items, I received $5 off my total and catalina coupons for $3.50 off milk and $1.50 off eggs at checkout. Those coupons were good towards organic, cage-free eggs and organic milk. Another deal offered $10 off catalina coupon when I bought Angel Soft toilet paper and Rotel tomatoe, which were also on sale and I had additional coupons. I turned around and used the catalinas right away and saved $15 off of the rest of my shopping list and not one item was "junk food." So, just because there are coupons out there for pizza and pop tarts, you are free to bypass them for the good stuff - and to use those catalinas and sales savings to get the items you really want!

Disclosure of Material Connection: Links in the post above may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and print a coupon, I will receive a small affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials.” Thank you for your support!

Disclosure of Material Connection: Links in the post above may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and print a coupon, I will receive a small affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials.” Thank you for your support!

Buy $25 of participating brands and get $10 off on a future order with coupon. (See insert image of included products in post below.)

Coupon printed at register.

Disclaimer: All items must be purchased in one shopping order. Limited to product in stock. Coupon printed at register. No cash back. Offer expires 10/16/11.

How to work this deal:

The best deal here is the 18 double roll Angel Soft toilet paper! On sale for $10.99, that still works out to be 30¢ per regular roll. That can be dropped to just 16¢ per roll with this deal!

Expect to make 2 transactions this trip and do this deal first.

Because you get $10 back on the second transaction, you can figure in that $10 as savings on your purchase. If you buy 2 packages of Angel Soft, that would mean $5 off each package, making the cost only $5.99 each or 16¢ per single roll!*

The two packages of Angel Soft costs $21.98, so you need to use a couple of "filler items" from the participating products for the $3.02 to get to the required $25 purchase.

Hunt's 24oz Ketchup is on the list 4/$5, which is $1.25 each (reg. $1.75) and SmartSource.com has a printable coupon for 25¢/1, which makes the final cost $1 each. (Buy 4) A great stock-up price at 56% off!

Or Wolf's Chili is on sale 3/$3.99, which is $1.33 each (reg. $2.09) and there is a Blinkie machine on the shelf with coupons for 35¢/1, which makes the final cost 98¢ (Buy 4 & use 4 coupons.)

Purchase just the toilet paper and filler items and you will get a $10 off coupon - just like getting handed a $10 bill! Take your items to the car, come back and purchase the rest of your shopping list items and use your $10 catalina coupon to take $10 off of your purchase.

Of course, if you don't want that much toilet paper, you can always just get one package and stock up on the other items.

The pre-sale/pre-coupon price was $30.54 and this deal was like paying only $10.93 for a 64% savings!

*I always count double rolls as 2 single rolls, so an 18 count double roll package equals a 36 count single roll package. Divide that number into the cost and you get the "cost per single roll."

Disclosure of Material Connection: Links in the post above may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and print a coupon, I will receive a small affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials.” Thank you for your support!

Sunday, September 18, 2011

If you like Pepsi Max, this week the 2 liter bottles are on sale for $1 each WYB 5 (limit 5*) and there is a blinkie on the shelf with coupons for 55¢/1, making them only 45¢ each!

*Per transaction. No household or number of transactions per day limits.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Links in the post above may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and print a coupon, I will receive a small affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials.” Thank you for your support!

Thursday, September 1, 2011

AC = After CouponACTUALS = The actual item as opposed to a coupon for it (an item from your stockpile)AR = After RebateBLINKIES - instore smartsource coupon dispensed near product, usually from red blinking boxBOGO or B1G1F = Buy one get one freeBOLO = Be On the LookoutBTFE = Box Tops for EducationCAT or Catalina = coupon dispensed at register after purchase, usually has a red borderCO = cents off couponDND = Do Not Double (the coupon is not supposed to be doubled)DOUBLE COUPON = coupon that a grocery store doubles in valueESR = EasySaver Rebate (Walgreens Monthy Rebate)FAR = Free After RebateFREE ITEM COUPON = A coupon that allows you to get the product completely freeTGG = The Grocery GameHBA = The health and beauty aid section in the grocery storeHCW = Hot Coupon WorldHT or HGT = Hang tags for refunds or coupons hanging on a productIVC = Walgreen's Instant Value Coupon ( Found in the monthy EasySaver Catalog )IP = Internet PrintableLFE = Campbell's Labels for EducationMIR = Mail In RebateNED = No expiration dateNBPN = No Beer Purchase NecessaryNLA = No Longer AvailableNWPN = No wine purchase necessaryOAS = a coupon that is good on one purchase, any sizeOOP = Out of PocketOOS = Out of StockOSI = On a single itemOYNO = On your next orderP&G = Proctor & Gamble Sunday supplement couponsPEELIE = coupon that you peel off the packagePOP = Proof of purchasePP = purchase pricePPHF = Paypal handling feePSA = Prices Starting At or Public Service AnnouncementQ or QUALIFIER = The POP required for a refund offer that is physically taken from that packageRC = RaincheckRP = Red Plum Sunday Supplement CouponsRR = Register RewardsSASE = Self Addressed Stamped EnvelopeSD = Store DisplaySF = Store formSMP = Specially Marked PackagesSS = Smart Source or Sunday Supplement coupons STACKING = Some stores allow the use of more than one coupon per item, IF the coupon itself does not restrict such usage.SUPER DOUBLES or DOUBLES = coupons that are doubled $1 + in value (ie, a $1 coupon = $2, etc)TEAR PAD = A pad of refund forms or coupons found hanging from a store shelf or displayTMF = Try Me FreeTRIPLE COUPON = a coupon that a grocery store triples in valueUPC = Universal Product CodeWINE TAG = coupon, usually for $ off any meat, cheese or produce.WPN = Wine purchase necessaryWSL = while supplies lastWT = winetagWYB = When You BuyYMMV = Your Mileage May Vary= success of the attempt may vary at your store

Disclosure of Material Connection: Links in the post above may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and print a coupon, I will receive a small affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials.” Thank you for your support!

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About the Author

Hi! My name is Kristin and I'm a work-at-home mom in Antigo, Wisconsin. My husband and I moved to the Northwoods from Southeastern Wisconsin in 2009 and we love it here! The small town life and a lower cost of living is exactly what we wanted.

Unfortunately, the economy hasn't been the greatest and to make ends meet, I started hunting for ways to lower our monthly food and household supply costs. Inspired by the "reality" TV show on TLC, "Extreme Couponing," I started researching using coupons as a way to save money. I found out that the TV show was more fun fantasy than reality, but I still found ways to cut our $800+ monthly bill down to just $50-$100 a week!

My husband thought I was a little crazy, but I said to him, "Just like you provide for the family and have fun hunting game, I provide and have fun hunting deals!" (Then he got it!)

So, he's a Northwoods deer hunter and I'm a Northwoods deal hunter!

But every time I'm at the store, I see people spending WAY more than they should be on food and supplies. I've even stopped people to tell them that there is a coupon for the item they're buying or that the one they are buying isn't as good of a deal as another and handed out extra coupons. And I always seem to run into another Northwoods Deal Hunter in the store.

So, I've started this site as a resource for my Northwoods neighbors, to help them find the deals and save like I do!